Knee support

ABSTRACT

A knee support comprising a supportive pad enclosed in a fabric cover, configured to the user through the use of fasteners. The knee support is compressible and flexible so that it conforms to the shape of the anatomical area just below the knee and to the shin, can be easily worn over or under clothing, and does not interfere with the poses and exercise routines of floor or hard surface exercises. The knee support can be pulled up over the kneecap, or partially over the kneecap, when needed without having to release the fastener. A behind-the-knee pad, which can be used by itself or in combination with the knee support, is also disclosed. A method for supporting the knee when the user is engaging in floor, mat or other hard surface exercises, and a method for preventing hyperextension of the knee, is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/898,939, filed on Nov. 1, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/944,224, filed on Feb. 25, 2014. The entire teachings of the aboveapplication(s) are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise equipment—specifically to equipmentfor use in yoga and other mat, hard surface or floor exercises where thepractitioner places weight or pressure on the knees.

Yoga is a popular form of exercise in the United States. Yogapractitioners (yogis) have increased in number to over 16 millionAmericans. Many yogis state that they practice yoga to improveflexibility, strength, cardiovascular capacity, and mental health.Others use yoga as a source of stress relief.

To practice yoga, the yogi must engage in various poses (asanas) whichcan, at times, place a significant amount of strain or pressure on theknees. For many, especially those with previous knee injuries, this paincan detract from their enjoyment of yoga, or even deter them frompracticing altogether. Traditional yoga mats do not provide sufficientcushioning for the knees, and as a result, the yogi is forced to lookelsewhere for relief. Furthermore, in the increasingly popular practiceof paddle board yoga, knee support is not available because the use of atraditional yoga mat and/or blanket is not feasible. Support for thefront of the knee is particularly useful in such asanas as table,cat/cow, thread-the-needle, anjaneyasana (low lunge), garbhasana(child's pose), arhda mandalasana (half circle), and parighasana (gate).Back of the knee support is useful in any floor exercises which requirean extended leg, including yoga asanas such as paschimottanasana (seatedforward fold), janu sirshasana (head-to-knee), and ardha baddha konasana(half bound angle pose), to name a few, to prevent againsthyperextension of the knee.

Currently, most yogis use a blanket, towel, or other type of cushioningmaterial which they move on and off the mat, as needed. Within the flowof class, it is oftentimes difficult to place the blanket or cushioningmaterial in the right position to provide optimal support for the knee.The blanket and cushion must be placed in proper position for bothknees, and in time to continue the practice of yoga, which is especiallydifficult during vinyasa flow classes. Current wearable options comprisebulky props or stifling braces, neither of which provide optimalcushioning and comfort. These solutions inhibit the yogi's range ofmotion or force him/her to constantly take the prop or brace on and off.Therefore, a solution that provides comfort and optimal cushioning tothe knee while still providing the yogi with a full range of motionthroughout his/her yoga practice is desirable. The knee support and/orthe behind-the-knee pad allow the user to participate in floor exercisesor other hard surface exercises even if a mat is not readily available.This invention will allow more people to practice yoga comfortably andeasily, without fear of knee pain or discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present knee support is placed on the leg below the kneecap and,when worn, lifts the patellar tendon of the user to relieve stress andpressure on the user's knees. The knee support comprises a supportivepad enclosed in a fabric cover. The shape of the supportive pad canvary, including a concave, flat, or convex top, but ideally will abutthe lateral limits of the user's knee or sides of the knee, and remainthin enough so that the user can enjoy a full range of motion, and wearit underneath clothing, if desired.

The supportive pad can have a concave top, designed to fit the shape ofthe patellar tendon. The shoulders of the concave shape rest higher onthe knee than the middle, which cups the bottom of the kneecap. Thebottom of the kneepad may be convex or straight, and stretch for a shortlength over the shin of the user. The pad can be flexible to fit theshape of the front (shin) and sides of the leg of the user. The pad canbe constructed from any material, including cotton, air, gel, foam, ormemory foam to provide a supportive cushion to the user.

The fabric cover which houses the supportive pad can be constructed froma number of materials including, for example, cloth, polyester,microfiber, neoprene, and temperature regulating materials. A pocket mayalso be installed on the fabric cover where the user may insert thesupportive pad, an additional supportive pad, an ice pack, or a heatpack. Or, the user may simply strap an extra pad over the existingsupportive pad for additional cushion or support.

The fabric cover may also be equipped with a fastener which allows theknee support to be configured and attached to the user. This fastenermay extend from the sides of the soft fabric cover and may be tiedaround the leg, generally at the back of (posterior side of) the knee.Alternatively, the fastener may be a single strap that extends from thefabric cover. The fastener can also be a self-engaging fastening device,such as a hook and loop fastener (such as that sold under the trademark“Velcro™”). Further, the fabric cover itself may act as a fastener whenthe fabric cover is constructed of an elastic material such as neoprene.

A behind-the-knee pad can be used in addition to, or in isolation from,the knee support. The behind-the-knee pad is comprised of a supportivepad to prevent hyperextension of the knees during forward folds on thefloor. The supportive pad may be enclosed in a fabric cover.

The supportive pad of the behind-the-knee pad may vary in size andshape, and is constructed of a material such as cotton, gel, air, foam,or memory foam to provide a supportive cushion to the user. The fabriccover can be equipped with a fastener to allow the behind-the-knee padto be configured to the user. This fastener can be an extension of thesides of the fabric cover, which may be tied around the leg and securedbelow the anterior or posterior side of the knee of the user. Thefastener can also be a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hookand loop fastener.

In accordance with the above, a knee support comprises a supportive pad,enclosed in a fabric cover. The supportive pad may comprise an extendedlength between the top and bottom which can be greater than, equal to,or less than the width, and substantially greater than the thickness.The knee support further comprises a fastener extending from the fabriccover configured to encircle the leg with the top below the knee and thepad supporting the leg shin, or the fastener can be the fabric coveritself when the fabric cover is constructed of an elastic material suchas neoprene. The knee support is movable from below the knee to aposition covering the knee without releasing the fastener and isconformable to the shape of the leg both below the knee and whencovering the knee.

The supportive pad is constructed of a compressible material.

The supportive pad generally may have a length between 75 mm and 300 mm,preferably between 110 mm and 250 mm; a width between 75 mm and 230 mm,preferably between 90 mm and 210 mm; a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm,preferably between 9 mm and 26 mm; and a compressibility between 14 kPaand 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi), preferably between 14 kPa and 55 kPa (2psi and 8 psi).

The supportive pad may have a length and width at least three timesgreater than the thickness. The supportive pad may be comprised of anextended length between the top and bottom greater than the width andsubstantially greater than the thickness.

The fabric cover may contain a pocket where the supportive pad, anadditional supportive pad, an ice pack, or a heat pack may be inserted.The fabric cover can also be constructed of any number of materials,including a temperature-regulating material, neoprene, or asweat-wicking material. Additionally, a temperature-regulating orsweat-wicking material may be attached to the fabric cover, if the userdesires.

The fastener may be constructed of extensions of the fabric cover whichcan be tied around the leg and secured below the back (posterior) of theknee of the user. Alternatively, the fastener can be a self-engagingfastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener, elastic or stretchymaterial. The fastener may also be a single strap. Further, the fastenercan be the fabric cover itself when the fabric cover is constructed ofan elastic material such as neoprene. In another embodiment, the fabriccover comprises an elastic material, the fabric cover extending belowand laterally from the knee pad to form a sock-like sleeve thatencircles the leg and fastens to the leg by the tension of the elasticfabric cover. In another embodiment, the fastener is a leg warmer.

The knee support may also configure to a behind-the-knee pad, positionedbehind the knee opposite of the knee support. The behind-the-knee padcomprises an additional supportive pad.

The behind-the-knee pad may also be enclosed in an additional fabriccover. Optionally, the additional fabric cover may be equipped with anadditional fastener. The additional fastener can be extensions of theadditional fabric cover, which can be tied around the leg and securedbelow the knee of the user. Alternatively, the additional fastener canbe a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener.

The behind-the-knee pad may also consist of a thermal pad, the thermalpad being either a heat pack or a cold pack.

Further disclosed is a method of providing support to the knee whileengaging in floor or other hard surface exercises, the method comprisesproviding a supportive pad configured to the user below the knee,supporting the knee such that the patellar tendon does not come incontact with the floor. This method of knee support may also be utilizedin combination with a behind-the-knee pad configured to the user behindthe knee, opposite of the knee support. This method provides support tothe patellar tendon and prevents hyperextension of the knee joint.

Additionally disclosed is a method of providing support to the kneewhile a leg is fully extended when engaging in floor exercises, themethod comprising providing the behind-the-knee supportive padconfigured to the user behind the knee. This method supports the kneesuch that it prevents hyperextension of the knee joint.

In another embodiment, a kit comprises a fabric cover with a pocketconfigured to receive a supportive pad and a thermal pad. The thermalpad and the supportive pad are interchangeable, and the thermal pad maybe used in isolation. The thermal pad may be an ice pack, or the thermalpad may be a heat pack.

Additionally, a method of providing support to the knee is disclosed,the method comprising providing support to the knee by providing afabric cover with a pocket configured to receive a supportive pad and athermal pad. The thermal pad and the supportive pad are interchangeable,and the thermal pad may be used in isolation. The method providessupport to the knee such as to relieve pain or pressure.

The thermal pad may be an ice pack, or the thermal pad may be a heatpack.

The fabric cover can comprise a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm.

In another embodiment, a knee support can comprise a supportive pad, thesupportive pad comprising length and width, each substantially greaterthan thickness. A fastener extends from the supportive pad and isconfigured to encircle the leg with the top of the knee support belowthe knee and the pad supporting the leg shin. The knee support ismovable from below the knee to a position covering the knee withoutreleasing the fastener, and the supportive pad is conformable to theshape of the leg both below the knee and when covering the knee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example knee support with fabric extensions.

FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support configuredto the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an example knee support configured tothe user.

FIG. 4A illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support with ahook and loop fastener.

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of an example knee support with a hookand loop fastener.

FIG. 4C illustrates a rear view of an example knee support with a hookand loop fastener where the fastener is threaded through a ring and thedistal end of the fastener attaches at any point along the length of thefastener.

FIG. 4D illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support where thefabric cover is elastic, extends below the knee pad, is constructed toform a sock-like structure open at both ends, is slipped over the legand is “fastened” or secured to the leg by the tension of the elasticfabric cover.

FIG. 4E illustrates a rear view of an example knee support where thefabric cover is elastic, extends below the knee pad, is constructed toform a sock-like structure open at both ends, is slipped over the legand is “fastened” or secured to the leg by the tension of the elasticfabric cover.

FIG. 5 illustrates a knee support with an additional pocket configuredto receive an additional supportive pad.

FIG. 6 illustrates an additional supportive pad that can be placedbehind the knee support and held in place by threading the knee supportfasteners through the button holes of the additional supportive pad andsecured.

FIG. 7A illustrates a behind-the-knee pad in isolation configured to theuser.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the behind-the-knee pad of FIG. 7Awith fasteners tied around the front (anterior) of the knee.

FIG. 7C illustrates the behind-the-knee pad configured to the user inconjunction with the knee support.

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of the behind-the-knee pad inconjunction with the knee support of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E illustrates the behind-the-knee pad and the knee support in usewith the user's back (posterior) of knee supported by thebehind-the-knee pad.

FIG. 8A illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support with a legwarmer fastener.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of an example knee support with a legwarmer fastener.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of an example knee support with a legwarmer fastener in conjunction with a behind-the-knee pad.

FIG. 8D illustrates a rear view of an example knee support with a legwarmer fastener in conjunction with a behind-the-knee pad.

FIG. 8E illustrates an example knee support with a leg warmer fastenerin conjunction with a behind-the-knee pad being used on the floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.

FIG. 1 represents an example embodiment of the knee support. Thesupportive pad 100 can be constructed of any material, such as cotton,air, gel, or foam, which will provide a supportive cushion to the user,contoured to the leg. In one embodiment, the supportive pad isconstructed of a closed cell foam. In another embodiment, the supportivepad is constructed of a memory foam. The firmness of the supportive padis measured by the “compression deflection.” Compression deflection and“compressibility,” used herein, refer to the weight needed to compress 1square inch of material by 25%. The pressure needed to compress thematerial is measured in kilopascals (kPa).

The shape of the pad may vary, but in the example embodiment the pad hasa concave top 104 and a convex bottom 105. The concave top 104 sitsbelow the kneecap; whereas, the shoulders on the top of the pad 102 and103 sit higher, towards the middle of the knee on the lateral sides ofthe knee. The concave design, seen in FIG. 2, illustrates how the padcups the kneecaps 201. In an alternative embodiment, the supportive padcan have a flat top, or a convex top.

The supportive pad's size can vary. The pad can be longer than it iswide, or it can be wider than it is long, depending on the needs of theuser. The thickness can vary according to the needs of the user, and theknee support is designed to be worn comfortably under or over clothing.The preferred length of the supportive pad is between 75 mm and 300 mm,but ideally between 110 mm and 250 mm. The preferred width of thesupportive pad is between 75 mm and 230 mm, but ideally between 90 mmand 210 mm. The preferred thickness of the supportive pad is between 5mm and 30 mm, but ideally between 9 mm and 26 mm. The knee supportallows the user to enjoy a full range of motion when wearing the kneesupport, and the length extends a short distance over the shin of theleg. The supportive pad may be flexible to allow the user to form thetop part of the supportive pad to the shape of the lower knee, and toform the pad to the shape and contour of the shin. The flexible natureof the pad allows the user to easily shape the pad to his or her legthrough minimal force. Utilizing a flexible pad which conforms to theshape of the knee will allow the user an unrestricted range of motion,including allowing him or her to roll onto the sides of his or her kneewith ease. Further, the supportive pad can be flexible such that it caneasily slide between a position below the knee to a position on, aroundor just above the knee without the need to release the fastener. Theability of the knee support to be mobile around the knee allows the userto quickly engage in different positions, for example for yoga, withoutwasting time removing the knee support and re-attaching it at adifferent position on the leg.

The soft fabric cover can be constructed of any number of materials,such as cloth, polyester, microfiber, neoprene and temperatureregulating materials, ideally creating a soft texture. The fabric covercan further comprise a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm. As seen in FIG.5, a pocket 500 may be installed in the fabric cover, and can be closedby any means necessary, including through the use of a hook and loopfastener (such as that sold under the trademark “Velcro™”) or a zipper.This pocket may be configured to receive a supportive pad or anadditional supportive pad 501, which can increase the thickness of theknee support. Or, the pocket may be configured to receive a thermal pad,such as an ice pack or a heat pack. As seen in FIG. 5, the additionalsupportive pad 501 shares a shape with the supportive pad in the kneesupport, but may be of a smaller size, depending on the needs of theuser.

The knee support may also utilize a fastener to configure the kneesupport to the user. The fastener may be constructed from any number ofmaterials. An example of fabric fasteners are illustrated in FIG. 1. InFIG. 1 soft fabric extensions 101 extend from the sides of the fabriccover. These extensions can be configured to the user, below the back(posterior) of the knee 301, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The width of thefabric extending from the pad may or may not taper from proximal todistal ends. The fastener, forming a single loop about the leg, isdesigned to comfortably and securely hold the supportive pad in place;however, the yogi may easily slide the supportive pad temporarily overthe knee cap for comfort in asanas such as ustrasana (camel pose) orkapotasana (pigeon pose) and other postures when desired.

In one embodiment, the knee support does not include a fabric cover.Accordingly, the knee support can comprise a supportive pad, thesupportive pad comprising a length and width, each substantially greaterthan the thickness. The fastener can attach directly to the supportivepad and be configured to encircle the leg, with the concave top of theknee support below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin. Theknee support is movable from below the knee to a position covering theknee without releasing the fastener. The supportive pad can also beconformable to shape of the leg both below the knee and when coveringthe knee.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the knee support with an alternativeembodiment of the fastener. In FIG. 4A, the fastener is a hook and loopfastener, such as Velcro™, but any self-engaging device which configuresthe knee support to the user may be used. One face of the fastener 403is attached to the fabric cover of the knee support. The other face 404,seen in FIG. 4B, is attached to a neoprene or elastic band 401. In asimilar embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener as shown inFIG. 4C (rear view) where the fastener 405 is attached to one side ofthe fabric cover of the knee support. The fastener passes through a ring406 attached to the opposite side of the fabric cover and the distal endof the fastener can be secured at any point along the length of thefastener. In this way the fastener's length can be adjusted to fit legsof varying circumferences. The neoprene or elastic band is preferablybetween 125 mm and 300 mm in length. The neoprene or elastic band iswrapped around the leg, below the knee, and the hook and loop fastenersecures the knee support to the user.

FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E show still another embodiment of the knee support.As shown the supportive pad is contained in an elastic soft covering.The fabric cover extends below the knee pad, is constructed to form asock-like structure, or a sock-like sleeve, open at both ends, isslipped over the leg and is “fastened” or secured to the leg by thetension of the elastic fabric cover.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example knee support wherein the fastener is aleg warmer. The support pad 801 may be inserted within or underneath thefabric cover. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the fastener is a leg warmer, made ofa soft cloth material, such as nylon, cotton, or wool, may beexpandable, as with knit or spandex material, or may use an elastic bandto wrap around the leg of the user.

FIG. 5 may also represent a kit comprising a fabric cover 500 with apocket configured to receive a supportive pad 501 and a thermal pad 502.The supportive pad and the thermal pad may be interchangeable, andeither may be used in isolation. The thermal pad may be either a coldpack or a heat pack.

The kit in FIG. 5 may be used by first inserting the supportive pad 501into the pocket of the fabric cover and configuring the fabric coverwith the supportive pad to the user below the knee for use during flooror mat exercises. As used herein, the term “floor,” refers not only to afloor, but to any hard surface where a person may place pressure intheir knees or body while performing an exercise routine. A hard surfacecan include, for example, floors, exercise mats placed on the floor, andpaddle boards. After exercise, the supportive pad 501 may be exchangedfor the thermal pad 502. The fabric cover and thermal pad, attached tothe user, may then be pulled up to cover the knee of the user. Thesingle strap facilitates the movement of the fabric cover and thermalpad from below the knee to on top of the knee. Alternatively, if thepocket of the kit in FIG. 5 is worn in combination with a thermal pad502, the kit may provide pain or pressure relief to the user when he orshe is performing mat or floor exercises.

The supportive pad 501 in FIG. 5 is designed to be thin enough that theuser may still wear the fabric cover and the supportive pad 501 orthermal pad 502 comfortably under clothing, providing relief to the userboth while engaging in floor or mat exercises, and while the user isengaged in other day-to-day activities. In the configuration where thesupportive pad is comprised of closed cell foam material, the supportivepad can be thoroughly submersed in water and will retain all of itscharacteristics, such as support, conformability, light weight, etc.

When configured to the user, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 7C-7E, the kneesupport provides support to a user performing floor, mat or other hardsurface exercises. It operates by lifting the patellar tendon off theground or surface when the user is applying pressure to his or herknees.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a behind-the-knee pad. The behind-the-kneepad may be used in combination with, or in isolation from, the kneesupport. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates use of the behind-the-knee pad 700in isolation. The behind-the-knee pad can be constructed of anymaterial, such as foam, gel, or air, the pressure of the air beingadjustable, which will provide a supportive cushion to the user. In anexample embodiment, the foam is a memory foam. Alternatively, the padmay be a thermal pad, such as a heat pack or a cold pack. Ideally, thebehind-the-knee pad is cylindrical in shape, but can take any shape toprovide support to the user. The supportive pad may be enclosed in afabric cover (as it is here), which may be equipped with fasteners 701as shown in FIG. 7B which allow the pad to be configured to the user.The fabric cover may be equipped with a pocket in which an additionalsupportive pad or a thermal pad, such as an ice pack or a heat pack, maybe inserted. The fastener can be constructed from any number ofmaterials. In FIG. 7B, the fastener is constructed from fabricextensions 701 of the fabric cover. The fastener is wrapped around theleg and secured in front (anterior) of the knee 702 of the user. Inalternative embodiments, the fastener may be a self-engaging fasteningdevice, such as a hook and loop fastener.

FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7E show the behind-the-knee pad used in conjunctionwith the knee support. FIG. 7C shows the behind-the-knee pad 700 on theback (posterior) of the user's knee with the knee support fastener 703.In this embodiment the knee support fastener utilizes a hook and loopfastener 704 for the fastening mechanism. FIG. 7D shows a side view ofthe user's knee with the behind-the-knee pad 700 and the knee support705 secured to the user's knee. FIG. 7E shows the behind-the-knee pad700 and the knee support 705 configured to the user with the user's back(posterior) of knee supported by the behind-the-knee pad 700. With theuser's leg extended in this position, the behind-the-knee pad is usefulin preventing hyperextension of the knee joint.

FIGS. 8C-8E illustrate the behind-the-knee pad used in conjunction withthe knee support with a leg warmer fastener. In this example embodiment,the behind-knee-pad 802 may attach to the knee support via a hook andloop fastener, such as Velcro™ 803, or any means suitable for attachingthe behind-the-knee pad to the knee support. When in the use, thebehind-the-knee pad may prevent the user from hyperextending their knee,as illustrated in FIG. 8E.

FIG. 6 shows an additional supportive pad 600 that can be placed on topof or directly in back of the knee support and secured to the user bythreading the knee support fasteners through the button holes 601 of theadditional supportive pad. This additional supportive pad can increasethe support and comfort of the user if needed. In yet another embodimentthe knee support can consist of the outer fabric configured as a pocket,into which one or more supportive pads can be placed. This modularconcept allows the user to adjust the thickness of the supportivepadding to suit his or her needs. The open portion of the pocket may beclosed with a hook and loop fastener, a zipper or any other means ofclosure. The fastener may be constructed of extensions of the fabriccover that can be tied around the leg and secured below the back(posterior) of the knee of the user. Alternatively, the fastener can bea self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener,elastic, or neoprene.

When worn, the behind-the-knee pad of 7A-7E will prevent the user fromhyperextending his or her knee when the user is seated on the floor andthe leg is fully extended. The behind-the-knee pad provides a softcushion which will prevent the user from placing undue pressure on theposterior of the knee when stretching or bending with the leg fullyextended.

Alternatively, if the pocket of the kit in FIG. 5 is worn in combinationwith a heat or ice pack, the kit may provide pain or pressure relief tothe user when he or she is performing mat or floor exercises.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A knee support comprising: a supportive padenclosed in a fabric cover, the supportive pad comprising: length andwidth, each substantially greater than thickness; a fastener extendingfrom the fabric cover and configured to encircle the leg with the top ofthe knee support below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin; theknee support being movable from below the knee to a position coveringthe knee without releasing the fastener; and the supportive pad beingconformable to the shape of the leg both below the knee and whencovering the knee.
 2. The knee support of claim 1, wherein thesupportive pad is constructed of a compressible material having acompressibility between 14 kPa and 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi).
 3. Theknee support of claim 2, wherein the supportive pad comprises: a lengthbetween 75 mm and 300 mm; a width between 75 mm and 230 mm; and athickness between 5 mm and 30 mm.
 4. The knee support of claim 2,wherein the supportive pad comprises: a length between 110 mm and 250mm; a width between 90 mm and 210 mm; a thickness between 9 mm and 26mm; and a compressibility between 14 kPa and 55 kPa (2 psi and 8 psi).5. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the supportive pad comprises aconcave top.
 6. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the supportive padcomprises length and width, each at least three times greater than thethickness.
 7. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the supportive padcomprises an extended length between the top and bottom greater than thewidth.
 8. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover containsa pocket configured to receive the supportive pad.
 9. The knee supportof claim 1, wherein the fabric cover contains a pocket configured toreceive an additional supportive pad.
 10. The knee support of claim 1,wherein the fabric cover is constructed of a temperature-regulatingmaterial, or a temperature-regulating material is attached to the fabriccover.
 11. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover isconstructed of a sweat-wicking material, or a sweat-wicking material isattached to the fabric cover.
 12. The knee support of claim 1, whereinthe fastener comprises fabric extensions of the fabric cover to be tiedaround the leg and secured below the knee of the user.
 13. The kneesupport of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a self-engaging fasteningdevice.
 14. The knee support of claim 13, wherein the self-engagingfastening device is a hook and loop fastener.
 15. The knee support ofclaim 1, wherein the fabric cover comprises an elastic material, thefabric cover extending below and laterally from the knee pad to form asock-like sleeve that encircles the leg and fastens to the leg by thetension of the elastic fabric cover.
 16. The knee support of claim 1,wherein the fastener is a leg warmer.
 17. The knee support of claim 1,wherein the fabric cover comprises a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm.18. The knee support of claim 1, in combination with a behind-the-kneepad configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the knee,opposite the knee support.
 19. The knee support in combination with thebehind-the-knee pad of claim 18, wherein the behind-the-knee padcomprises an additional supportive pad enclosed in an additional fabriccover, and the additional fabric cover is equipped with an additionalfastener configured to encircle the leg.
 20. The knee support incombination with the behind-the-knee pad of claim 19, wherein theadditional fastener comprises fabric extensions of the additional fabriccover to be tied around the leg and secured below the knee of the user.21. The knee support in combination with the behind-the-knee pad ofclaim 19, wherein the additional fastener comprises a self-engagingfastening device.
 22. The knee support in combination with thebehind-the-knee pad of claim 21, wherein the self-engaging fasteningdevice is a hook and loop fastener.
 23. A knee support comprising: asupportive pad enclosed in a fabric cover, the supportive padcomprising: a length between 75 mm and 300 mm; a width between 75 mm and230 mm; a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm; a compressibility between 14kPa and 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi); and a fastener extending from thefabric cover and configured to encircle a leg and to fasten the kneesupport to the user below the knee with the pad supporting the leg shin.24. A method of providing support to a knee while engaging in floor orhard surface exercises, the method comprising: providing a supportivepad configured to the user below the knee, the supportive padcomprising: a length and width substantially greater than the thickness;a fastener extending from the fabric cover and configured to encirclethe leg with the top of the knee support below the knee and the padsupporting the leg shin; moving the supportive pad from below the kneeto a position covering the knee without releasing the fastener; thesupportive pad conforming to the shape of the leg both below the kneeand when covering the knee.
 25. A method of providing support to a kneewhile engaging in floor or hard surface exercises, the methodcomprising: providing a supportive pad configured to the user below theknee, the supportive pad comprising: a length between 75 mm and 300 mm;a width between 75 mm and 230 mm; a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm;and a compressibility between 14 kPa and 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi).supporting the knee such that the patellar tendon does not come incontact with the floor.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the methodof providing support to a knee further comprises: providing abehind-the-knee pad configured to be positioned on the posterior side ofthe knee, opposite of the knee support; and supporting the back of theknee to prevent hyperextension of the knee joint.
 27. A method ofproviding support to a knee while extending a leg and engaging in flooror hard surface exercises, the method comprising: providing a supportivepad configured to the user on the posterior side of the knee, thesupportive pad comprising a thermal pad; and supporting the back of theknee to prevent hyperextension of the knee joint.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the thermal pad is a heat pack.
 29. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the thermal pad is a cold pack.
 30. A kit comprising:a supportive pad; a thermal pad; a fabric cover with a pocket configuredto interchangeably receive each of the supportive pad and the thermalpad; and a fastener extending from the fabric cover and configured toencircle the leg with the fabric cover with the supportive pad orthermal pad below the knee.
 31. The kit of claim 30, wherein the thermalpad is an ice pack.
 32. The kit of claim 30, wherein the thermal pad isa heat pack.
 33. A method comprising: providing a fabric cover with apocket configured to interchangeably receive each of a supportive padand a thermal pad; configuring the fabric cover and the supportive padto the user below the knee while engaging in floor or hard surfaceexercises; interchanging pads and configuring the fabric cover and thethermal pad to the knee of the user for thermal treatment afterexercise.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the thermal pad is an icepack.
 35. The method of claim 33, wherein the thermal pad is a heatpack.
 36. A knee support comprising: a supportive pad, the supportivepad comprising: length and width, each substantially greater thanthickness; a fastener extending from the supportive pad and configuredto encircle the leg with the top of the knee support below the knee andthe pad supporting the leg shin; the knee support being movable frombelow the knee to a position covering the knee without releasing thefastener; and the supportive pad being conformable to the shape of theleg both below the knee and when covering the knee.